I've been told that nobody sings the word 'hunger' like I do.

You've got to have something to eat and a little love in your life before you can hold still for any damn body's sermon on how to behave.

There's no damn business like show business - you have to smile to keep from throwing up.

I can't stand to sing the same song the same way two nights in succession, let alone two years or ten years.

Lust may be in the heart, though it be not seen by others; as guests may be in the house, though they look not out at the windows.

I don't think I ever sing the same way twice. The blues is sort of a mixed-up thing. You just have to feel it. Anything I do sing is part of my life.

One day a whole damn song fell into place in my head.